Introduction

New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast flowing rivers, and deep clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are also abundant forest reserves, long, deserted beaches and a variety of fauna, such as the kiwi, endemic to its shores. You can swim with dolphins, gambol with newborn lambs, whale watch or fish for fattened trout in the many streams. The country is a land of great contrasts. It is a small island nation with a temperate climate. You are never more than a few hours away from the sea. In fact, all of the larger cities are on the coastline, with vistas of blue seas and green hills. Because it’s such a compact place, travel within New Zealand – whether by plane, bus, rail, car or campervan – is affordable and efficient.

The people are resourceful, helpful and overwhelmingly friendly. They were formerly a mix of predominantly European and Pacific races. However, in more recent times, migration has been encouraged from many countries resulting in an exciting international community with a high tolerance of, and interest in, each other’ cultures. With a total population of only 4 million, there is a feeling of space and freedom.

Education System

There is a range of options for you to consider for your study in New Zealand. Education institutions in New Zealand must meet stringent quality and standard criteria drawn by the government body. You can achieve a qualification of consistent quality and a standard compared to the qualifications achieved in other parts of the world.

New Zealand has a progressive education system with many state of the art facilities. It offers a safe learning environment with excellent study opportunities and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at New Zealand institutions – universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments.

Universities: There are eight government-funded universities providing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Some also offer foundation programmes. Whilst all offer a broad range of degree subjects, each university has its own specialised courses. The quality of New Zealand university education is well recognised internationally. Many New Zealand graduates have gone on to achieve international recognition in their fields. Many of the international students from developing Asian nations, who have studied at New Zealand universities, have since served as senior administrators and also as cabinet ministers in their own countries.

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology: A popular option is to study at one of the 16 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology. They offer a wide variety of programmes which can be both academically and vocationally focused. You may choose a short course teaching a specific skill, or choose from among a wide range of courses resulting in a certificate, a diploma or a degree. Some institutions offer Year 1 of a degree programme, with the subsequent years being completed at a university.

Teacher Training: New Zealand is internationally recognised for its excellent education standards and as a provider of quality teachers. There are six government-funded specialist education institutions, two operating from within universities, and the others offering their programmes in collaboration with their local university. They offer training for teachers to teach from early childhood to primary, secondary, special and tertiary (higher education) levels.

Private Tertiary and Training Establishments: There are a growing number of private tertiary and training providers offering an alternative study option. They offer a range of programmes including professional certificates, diplomas and degrees in a diverse range of subjects including art, hospitality industry, computer studies, secretarial studies, quality management, ecotourism and others.

English Language Training: The choices are endless. Private English language schools offer a variety of courses for all ages including adventure, business and academic programmes. Adventure courses provide a balance of English language tuition and a stimulating activity of your choice. There are courses in English for business purposes and English to prepare you for academic study with TOEFL or IELTS testing. Most tertiary institutions also provide English language preparation for further study or foundation courses.

Typically, a bachelor’s degree will take three years and a further year of study will lead to an Honors degree. However, not every degree follows this 3+1 pattern, instead, there are some four-year degrees, which may or may not be awarded with Honors. A bachelor’s degree may be followed by a Master’s degree. A candidate who does not have an Honors degree may be awarded a Master’s degree with honors. Such a degree usually involves two years of study, compared to one year for a Master’s degree for a candidate who has an Honors degree. A candidate who has either a Master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with Honors may proceed to a doctoral degree. The Master’s degree is open to those who have completed a Bachelor’s degree with good grades.

Work Permit

In New Zealand, students are permitted to work 20 hrs a week and full-time during vacations. Some students work as tutors for schoolchildren or get jobs on campus in the canteen, the bookshop, in the institution’s offices and as laboratory assistants. Some jobs are entirely outside the education community such as bartending, babysitting, gardening, hospitality, sales, information technology, restaurants, checkout work or fruit picking.

New Zealand Visa

You will need a student visa if you wish to come to New Zealand to study full-time for more than 3 months. You can only get a student visa to study in a course at an education institution, which is registered and approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Student Visa applications from Nepal are processed by New Zealand Immigration Service, New Delhi. Your student visa will be issued for the length of time your course tuition fees have been paid for. If you are studying a long-term course at a secondary school, University or Polytechnic you will normally pay your tuition fees every year. Visa application should be lodged at least 2 months prior to the course commencement date.

New Zealand Pre-Visa Document Checklist:

• Student Visa Application Form
• Visa Fee payable by Demand Draft favoring “New Zealand Immigration Service”   payable at New Delhi
• Covering Letter
• Statement of Purpose
• Offer Letter from the Institution
• Guarantee of Accommodation or arrangements made.
• Financial Undertaking Form
• Affidavit of Support from Sponsor
• Authorization Letter from Sponsor
• Evidence of Funds and Income in the form of: Loan Sanction letter, Bank Statements / Bank Passbooks for past 6 months, not more than one week old, Other movable and immovable Assets
• Chartered Accountant Statement / Summary Statement
• Last 3 years income tax papers of all family members
• If Tuition fee is paid in advance, then attach copy of fee receipt.
• Educational Certificates, Mark sheets, Degrees and Diplomas
• IELTS / TOEFL score
• Supplementary Information Form
• Work Experience Certificate, if employed
• Passport
• Police Clearance Certificate from Regional Passport Office
• Medical & T.B. X-ray Certificates from Panel Doctor

For further information and latest updates on studying in New Zealand or for other queries about student visa, you may contact Delta Educare or visit the official New Zealand immigration website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/